... has the WORST sound of any room I've ever worked. It's a NJ shore staple called the Crab Trap, and the acoustics are horrendous, the stage is ill-placed, the crowd noise is almost unacceptable, (even with NO music playing) but I consistently get the most compliments, and very generous tips from this venue.

WHY?

Maybe because it's a vacation destination, and people are already in a good mood when they get there ... (in spite of the 90-120 minute wait time for a table)
Maybe it's because the staff is so friendly to me that my mood is elevated, so a better performance results ...
Maybe there's no particular reason, but just the same - it's the best spot I've ever worked. There are time when the manager who hired me will stop what he's doing, take a seat near the dance floor, and just listen to a song he likes .... then smile, clap, and resume his duties. It's very soul strengthening to receive an accolade from your management, and staff who listen to you night, after night. Makes you feel good. Maybe THAT'S the reason why I like it so much.

I've always viewed my performance more as a conversation, than a lecture. I love the parlay between the audience and myself, and without it ... I tend to go a bit stale. I thrive on the feedback. (It's the Michael Scott in me, for "The Office" fans)
Regardless of money, gear, or song selection, my priority is always the end result - client satisfaction. I won't do this job if the crowd doesn't like the result. It's too hard. It leaves your soul open to scrutiny with each song you play. The constant set up, and tear down becomes a chore. Load-ins/outs are typically cumbersome ... especially in the nicer places. ("... Hey, take that gear around back, and through the kitchen. Use the freight elevator, in the alley!") Staying fresh, and current, while keeping true to your own strengths is an ongoing labor. All these things combine to keep you (me) in a lifestyle that few share. At least, few in MY family. My 87 year old Mom is STILL giving me career advice, and telling me about new job opportunities.
GEEZE, Mom ... I'm almost 64!!

A calling to the arts is a death sentence to a social life, IF you don't love your life on stage. I've answered the call, and dedicated my energy to become the best in my very small pond of musical fish. I've done other jobs, but they were always a sideline to my primary "gig;" music. As I approach retirement age, I'm reminded of the life choices that many make when they quit their day jobs ... and none of the activities appeal to me. I don't golf, or fish. I hate gardening, or being in the sun too long. There is simply no other way I'd rather spend my time than in the creation of music. This, of course, is the time when I am not with my kids, grand children, or many cousins, and family. There's nothing that can replace that bond.

I'm content to grow old. I'm fine with living alone. I don't need a boat, or a second home. I just wish (secretly) that the Crab Trap could somehow improve the acoustics of that wonderful, noisy room that serves as my home for 4 hours a night, twice a week, every summer. Where is that wishing star?